Get the Scoop:

Parenting is a wild and wacky ride.  Just when I think I’m starting to get the hang of being a mom, something new pops up to keep me on my toes.   Like you, I'm trying to be the very best parent I can be.  Keeping our children happy and healthy is a big job and sometimes the magnitude of our responsibility can be overwhelming.  That’s where the Shopwiki parenting community can help.  Whether you’re a brand new mom or raising a brood of five, there are questions you need answered and products you need researched. As the Baby & Children’s Insider, I’m here for you.  Want to share a success story?  Write me.  Got a question for a parenting expert? Let me do the legwork.  Have a product that you can’t live without?  Share it with our community.  I can’t wait to meet you all and hear about your families.  Speaking of families, that’s me featured on the page with my daughter. My girl is wearing one of my favorite brands, Tea Collection layette,  and I’m sporting a great convertible diaper bag from Bumble Bags.   More of my favorite products are featured on this page and you can read more about Bumble Bags in this week’s Editor’s Pick.

Recommended blogs

• For a down and dirty look at toddler escapades: trixieupdate
• Want to check in on the latest celeb moms or for a quick chuckle? Check out: Mommytackd
• 40 different, and quite literary, moms share their stories on: Dot-mom

Tips & Tricks

Since I’m a City Mom and seemingly always on the go, I always pack disposable bibs  and placemats  in my diaper bag. I shudder to think about some of the dirty things my girl touches.  Thankfully Tabletopper  designs toss-away placemats that are both functional and fun.  Games and pictures on the mats help occupy a restless child before the macaroni and cheese arrives.  For a complete all-in-one package, check out the Classy Kid Dining Out Kit.   And one last thing, bring at least one empty plastic bag (here’s where I try to recycle those clear plastic produce bags from the grocery store) for dirty toys, soiled clothes, or a sippy cup  that’s been dropped on the ground.  Now that you know what's in my bag, email me (Nicole@shopwiki.com) to share your diaper bag essentials?

Tips & Tricks
Disposable Placemats	Toss Away Bibs

New at this job? Here are some additional helpful links for new parents:

• American Academy of Pediatrics:Dedicated to the health of all children a great basic resource.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission offers safety tips on everything from bike riding to window guards.

Hot Products
Kate Spade baby rocker from Maclaren	Burt’s bees travel pack for baby	Anne Claire Petit crochet animals	Ugg Erin Shearling Baby Bunting	Robeez Booties

Mommy Style

These days new Mom’s don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of style when heading out with baby.  Friends always gush over my Jessica bag  from Bumble Bags.  I’m sporting the pink paisley pattern in my bio photo. This bag is tres chic and practical.  In fact, this convertible bag can be worn four different ways: shoulder bag, backpack, across the chest or over the stroller handlebars.  The bag is water and stain resistant and the clever mommy designers loaded this bag with pockets to keep you and your child organized.  The B&B crew has thought of everything,  there's even a matching car seat cover.

Talk Back

Each week I'll use this space to tackle one of your burning questions. Last week a new neighbor moved into my building with a 6-month-old son, Owen.  The mom asked me for things to do in the winter months with her son.  My top two suggestions:

Check out your local movie theater for a "Mommy" movie--a weekly film series geared to moms, dads and caregivers with infants. Buy an adult ticket and baby (under 2 at most theaters) gets in free. Participating theaters offer baby-friendly environments: The theater lights are not dimmed completely, the film's sound is moderated, and there are changing tables and play areas.  It's a great place to network with other new moms before and after the show.  Loew's Cineplex calls their program Reel Moms, but many theaters have caught on to this trend.

Music Together classes are an excellent first musical experience for kids.  Our local instructor, Lee Stern is a gem.  He brings a little ray of sunshine to the dreariest winter day.  MT targets children from birth to age 4.  Music Together classes are based on the concept that all children love music. The teachers at MT feel any children can learn to sing, keep a beat, and dance.  This is a nationally offered program.

Seasonal Spotlight
	Offered in a dozen tempting colors, this hat and bootie set  from Egg by Susan Lazar  will keep baby warm and keep mom and dad smiling. I love the cable texture and the whimsical "ears" are over-the-top cute. The set retails for $75.  Sizes 3-6 months in 100% cotton.

Video Spotlight:

MeToo Showroom

Coming Soon:

Hey wake up sleepyhead!  What is that you say?  You haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since before you went into labor?  I’ve got some great tips for all of you sleep-deprived parents out there.  Dr. Harvey Karp  will weigh in with his advice for getting babies off to dreamland.